GCSEs: Anxious wait is over for county’s students

Cllr Anne Western chats to workers from the Donut Creative Arts Studio at last year's Derbyshire Skills Festival in Chesterfield. Photo contributed.

Published:15:20Thursday 21 August 2014

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The anxious wait is finally over for thousands of Derbyshire young people who took their GCSEs this summer.

Results are due today (Thursday), and Derbyshire County Council says there’s help and advice at hand for anyone who needs it.

Last year, 59.1 per cent of students in Derbyshire achieved five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C.

Legislation means all school leavers have to stay on in education or training until they are 17, rising to 18 in 2015.

Councillor Kevin Gillott, Derbyshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “It has been a nervous time waiting for exam results, but I hope students are rewarded for their efforts over the last two years.

“It’s really important for students to know what options are open to them as they stay on in education or training. Whatever their results, help is available including from schools and county advisers and from our Skills Festivals.”

Options open to Year 11s are:

• Full-time education such as sixth form, college or work-based learning

• An apprenticeship

• Part-time education or training if they are employed, self-employed or volunteering for more than 20 hours a week.

Derbyshire County Council, in partnership with Derby City Council and the National Apprenticeship Service, has organised a series of careers events for Year 11s showcasing careers, employment and training options for 15 to 19-year-olds.

They will take place from 3.30pm to 8pm at:

• The Roundhouse (Derby College) at Derby on September 16 and 17

• The Dome (University of Derby) at Buxton on September 23

• The Proact Stadium at Chesterfield on September 25

Cllr Gillott added: “Young people staying on in education or work-based training have better skills, more opportunities throughout their life and more chance of fulfilling their learning, and earning, potential.

“Even if students don’t do as well as expected in their exams, schools can put them in touch with advisers who can go through all the options open to them.

“These include a wide range of vocational qualifications and apprenticeships which are being showcased at our Skills Festivals.”

For more information, including a full list of exhibitors at each of the events, visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/skillsfestival.